Campus life

Accommodation

Undergraduate dormitory arrangement

Students share a room with one or two CUHK student(s) who have expressed special interest in having a non-CUHK roommate. This will enhance cultural exchange and immersion into local student life. Single rooms are not available for undergraduate exchange and study abroad students.

shared kitchens equipped with refrigerators, stoves, boilers and microwaves on each floor

shared bathrooms with showers on each floor

common rooms with televisions

Students should indicate accommodation preference on the online application form. Click here for reference.

Graduate dormitory arrangement

The Jockey Club Postgraduate Hall (PGH1) provides single rooms. Students may also live off-campus. However, private housing rentals in Hong Kong are extremely high while dormitories on campus are subsidised. As housing for married graduate students is limited, international students with a spouse (and family) may need to seek off-campus accommodation.

shared kitchens equipped with refrigerators, stoves, boilers and microwaves on each floor

shared bathrooms with showers on each floor

common rooms with televisions

Dormitory life

Dormitory life will give exchange and study abroad students a glimpse of the local student life and culture. Perhaps, first friends will be made at the dormitories.

Living with a local roommate and adjusting to different living habits may cause tension especially in the first few weeks. For example, local students, especially females, tend to be extremely modest and prefer to undress in privacy. They will expect equal consideration from their roommates. It is a good idea, therefore, to discuss these sorts of issues early and arrive at an agreeable arrangement.

All dormitories have wardens and residence tutors to oversee the physical and mental wellness of the residents. The tutors will also help to organise activities with resident associations. Some examples of these activities are high table dinners, sweet soup gatherings, mass games such as tug of war, and karaoke parties. Exchange and study abroad students are encouraged to take the initiative to find out more about these activities.

Extracurricular activities

Students can enjoy a full range of cultural, extra-curricular and sports activities at CUHK to supplement their academic life. Through these activities, students learn about the culture of Hong Kong and China, make friends with local students, and get immersed in the local student life.

Student organisations at CUHK

A variety of student organisations are available at CUHK, including Chinese martial arts, photography, drama, and debate clubs, etc. The more active ones are those within the academic departments and Colleges. Cantonese is the language used in most activities but international students who make the effort can participate with very rewarding results. A list of student organisation email addresses can be found here.

Cultural activities

The Office of Academic Links provides exchange and study abroad students with an array of cultural activities. They include:

Orientation

The Orientation provides non-MBA exchange and study abroad students with the best possible start for living and studying at CUHK. It covers both practical advice and social events. Students receive information on the curriculum, student life at the University, Chinese culture, Hong Kong society, and support services provided by the Office of Academic Links.

One-day excursion

A full day excursion explores the hidden beauty of Hong Kong, its mountains, local villages, and markets.

Rural schools service project

Students can gain community service experience at local primary schools through activities for the learning of English or Putonghua. Participating students will also be invited to join cultural activities jointly organised by the primary schools.

Teaching-in-China programme

These weekend visits give students the opportunity to interact with local students in southern China through English activities and engage in cultural exchange.

College activities

CUHK is the only tertiary institution in Hong Kong with a college system. Colleges are the centres of non-formal education at CUHK. They provide scholastic and cultural activities to complement academic learning. All undergraduate students are affiliated with one of the Colleges.

Colleges organise many cultural and sports activities including singing contests, drama competitions, various celebrations, and language enhancement programmes. Each College has its own sports teams, competing with the other Colleges in inter-college competitions. Besides these activities, exchange and study abroad students can meet local students and learn Chinese through activities organised by the residence association of the dormitories.

Sports activities

Intramural athletic competitions are scheduled in swimming, basketball, badminton, and football (soccer). Former international students have excelled in these competitions and many have represented the University in varsity competitions against teams from other Hong Kong institutions, especially in swimming and basketball. Table tennis and tennis are also popular. Some international students have toured with CUHK teams and played against college teams in mainland China. Students are encouraged to join the sports teams as a way of meeting local students and learning about the local culture. For more details, visit the Physical Education Unit's website.

Computing facilities

University librariesThe University Library system is one of Hong Kong's strongest and most comprehensive collections.

Independent Learning CentreThe Independent Learning Centre provides students with an immersive language environment to improve their Chinese and English proficiency.

University Health ServicePrimary medical care is provided to students and university staff at the University Health Service. Students can make appointments in advance either by phone or through the internet booking system.

Sport facilitiesCUHK and the Colleges offer a variety of sports facilities, including a sports field for track and field, gymnasia, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, weight training rooms and a water sports centre.